Program for US High School Students & Teachers

Sample Program: American Civics Summit

Each week, students from across the United States interact with members of the media, government officials, lobbyists and policymakers as current issues are explored through the prism of civics and history. Extend your trip with an additional day in Washington DC, Williamsburg, Virginia or Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Programs are 6 days and 5 nights in duration. Teachers may choose to follow the student schedule or participate in our parallel teacher program.

Program Dates and Costs

We can provide you a price for any start date you desire for your group. If you wish to keep your program as affordable as possible for your students, you may want to consider visiting Washington DC between November and February. In addition, no matter what time of the year you choose to visit, we recommend you start your visit on a Saturday to keep your travel costs down . If you wish to have your students participate in a program with students from other high schools around the U.S., a Saturday start is required. Click the Request A Planning Kit button and we'll provide you a specific price for the date you wish to attend our program.

In Their Own Words

My favorite part was the Newseum. I thought the Newseum was just about the news, but then I heard that there was a memorial to Sept. 11 in it. I had a cousin in the first plane that hit the towers. We were all just in awe of the different pictures, video, and firsthand accounts of the reporters - footage that we had never seen. It was really moving.

High School program participant

We had the opportunity to explore the Library of Congress. Gary, a staff instructor showed us around where he was once employed. He took us to places that even our teachers, who consider Washington their second home, had never experienced. He explained the amazing architecture and the symbolism everywhere we looked.

High School program participant

It has been fascinating to learn about our roommate’s culture, hobbies and everyday life – they are from Puerto Rico. We are pleased to share this once-in-a-lifetime experience with two sweet, unique girls.

High School program participant

Program has been everything we expected and much more.

High School program participant

We had the opportunity to spend some time with our Senator. It was an incredible experience to converse about some very important issues that he is currently dealing with. He seemed very interested in our opinion. We were very honored to be able to experience everything that we did this week, and we will never forget meeting him. This opportunity has made our trip even more worthwhile and memorable.

High School program participant

We were fortunate enough to meet with our congressman. We talked with him and his chief of staff, learned about the issues and committees that they were focusing on, and heard stories from his experience as a freshman congressman at the Inauguration.

High School program participant

Throughout our trip to Washington, D.C., we have met a lot of important and powerful people.

High School program participant

What good shall I do this day?

Benjamin Franklin

We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people.

John F. Kennedy

I have no fear that the result of our experiment will be that men may be trusted to govern themselves without a master.

Thomas Jefferson

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.

Thomas Jefferson

Stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right and part with him when he goes wrong.

Abraham Lincoln

Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.

Thomas Jefferson

The Capitol Hill office visits allowed my students to exercise their participatory skills.

Eric, California Teacher

We were pleased with the diversity of viewpoints our students were exposed to. They got into some great discussions.

Viviana, California Teacher

Our instructor Reggie was amazing. The kids enjoyed his background knowledge base...The students came away with a deeper understanding of government and are already using it in the classroom.

Sara, Texas Teacher

Plan Your Trip

Get started with your free planning kit for any of our programs. For your convenience, we'll send you an email with full pricing details and materials to help you compare providers as you make inquiries. We encourage you to compare the quality and cost of our program to others.